acquisition / purchase
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acquisition / purchase
The process of buying or acquiring something, usually larger or durable items.
Die Anschaffung eines neuen Autos muss gut überlegt sein.
The purchase of a new car needs to be carefully considered.
'Die Anschaffung' (the acquisition/purchase) comes from the verb 'sich etwas anschaffen' (to get/buy something). The ending '-ung' turns the action of the verb into a feminine noun.
Die Anschaffung neuer Büromöbel wurde vom Chef genehmigt.
The purchase of new office furniture was approved by the boss.
When referring to the buying process, people often speak of a 'große Anschaffung' (major purchase), 'teure Anschaffung' (expensive purchase), or 'geplante Anschaffung' (planned purchase).
Für viele junge Familien ist ein eigenes Haus eine sehr große Anschaffung.
For many young families, owning a house is a very major purchase.
Whether the process (meaning 1) or the item (meaning 2) is meant can be recognized from context. If there is a possessive pronoun before it (meine, deine, seine), the item is almost always meant.
Die Anschaffung war teuer, aber es hat sich gelohnt.
The purchase was expensive, but it was worth it.
purchase
'der Kauf' and 'die Anschaffung' can both mean the process of buying something. Both can also mean the thing that was bought. 'der Kauf' is more general and fits almost anything, including small things like bread, clothing, or a ticket. 'die Anschaffung' is used more for things that are larger, more expensive, or useful for a longer time, for example a car, a computer, or furniture. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with buying. A practical tip: every 'Anschaffung' can be a 'Kauf', but not every 'Kauf' sounds like an 'Anschaffung'.
Die Anschaffung eines neuen Kühlschranks kostet mehr, als wir geplant hatten.
The purchase of a new refrigerator costs more than we had planned.
Beim Kauf der Fahrkarte hatte Paul seine Kundenkarte vergessen.
When buying the ticket, Paul had forgotten his customer card.